New York Just Struck a Big Blow Against the Tampon Tax

Good news out of New York: NBC News reports that on Wednesday the state senate voted unanimously in favor of a bill ending sales taxes on feminine hygiene products. Next, the bill will head to Governor Andrew Cuomo, a vocal advocate of overturning the tampon tax.

"Repealing this regressive and unfair tax on women is a matter of social and economic justice," Cuomo said in a statement on Wednesday. "I look forward to signing it into law."

Once finalized, the bill will nullify the existing legislation that taxes tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners as luxury items. Under the new law, feminine hygiene products will be regarded as necessities—like medicines or other health care goods—and be exempt from taxation. Republican state senator Susan Serino, who sponsored the bill, said the decision is "a win for consumers and it's a win for women who have largely shouldered the burden of the tax for generations."

Even President Obama has shown his support for legislation similar to the bill passed in New York. When asked why menstrual products continue to be taxed during a January 2016 interview with YouTube personality Ingrid Nilsen, Obama replied, "I have no idea why states would tax these as luxury items. I suspect it's because men were making the laws when those taxes were passed."

With the approval of the legislation, New York joins five other states (Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) who have passed laws outlawing taxes on tampons, pads, and the like. Ten other states—including California—are considering taking similar measures.